Neck pain can be a common condition with a lot of different possible causes. Relief is often available with the right treatment plan, and at True Health Studio our chiropractor has developed personalized plans that have provided lasting relief for chronic neck symptoms.
What Causes Neck Pain?
There are many causes that result in acute or chronic neck pain. Patients over time will learn to adapt to these discomforts and accept it as the new normal, but with proper chiropractic care and intervention this chronic cycle can be broken.
The most common thing that results in stiffness and tightness is poor posture from looking at our phones and/or the computer for prolonged periods for leisure and work. The poor posture results in anterior position of the head. This will result in chronic repetitive strain injury to the supportive muscles of the neck causing severe stiffness and sometimes even neurological symptoms such pain and numbness / tingly down the arm to the hand/fingers.
When muscles are strain and/or stiff and tight it will pull on the spinal joints that are connected to it. This will lead to spinal misalignments and unbalanced muscle tone. With chiropractic adjustments this will correct the spine and allow the muscles to relax and heal.
Another cause of chronic neck discomfort can be from poor sleeping position. This is another form of repetitive strain injury as the body is in a prolonged static position when sleeping. The chiropractor can once again use muscle stretching / releasing techniques as well as spinal manipulation to alleviate the neck discomfort from poor sleep postures.
Neck pain / injuries can also be a result of acute injuries such as accidents and falls that cause whiplash to the neck. During a whiplash injury the neck is quickly and forcefully flexed forward and extended backwards. This may result in muscle strain of the neck and compression of the joints in the spine. Some severe cases can result in compression of soft tissues and/or nerves.
Lastly, physiological reasons may or may not lead to chronic neck pain. A common situation may be normal arthritis and joint degeneration of the spine due to aging. Although there is no cure for joint degeneration, with regular chiropractic manipulation it may aid in joint mobility and health when patients do experience these issues in their spine.
Ergonomic & Posture Tips for Neck Pain Prevention
A great way to help with posture is the Bruggers relief position.
Brügger Relief Position
The Brügger Relief Position can be used as a postural awareness and rest position, useful for a number of conditions including low back, shoulder and neck pain.
Take brief, periodic breaks throughout the day (for perhaps 30-45 seconds, every 45-60 minutes) and settle into this posture.
Relative to shoulder conditions, this should remove postural loading from the supraspinatus, open up the pectoralis muscles, allow for proper breathing, and allow the shoulders to relax.
This exercise targets and strengthens the muscles in between the shoulder blades.
- Tuck your chin in
- Shoulders down, trying to pull your shoulder blades in a downward position.
- Chest up in a 45 degree angle (imagine a string pulling your chest up towards the ceiling.
- Arms externally rotated so your palms are facing forward.
- Slight abdominal contraction.
- Hips externally rotated so your knees are slightly outwards.
- Relax and breathe calm and normal. Hold this position for 30-45 seconds.
What Treatment Options Actually Work?
Compare common treatments and then lead into chiropractic care:
| Treatment Type | Pros | Cons |
| Medications | Quick relief | Temporary, side effects |
| Massage Therapy | Muscle relaxation | Doesn’t fix structural cause |
| Physical Therapy | Helps build strength | Slow progress |
| Chiropractic Care | Addresses root misalignment | Personalized & holistic |
How Chiropractic Care Helps with Neck Pain
At True Health Studio, our chiropractor Dr. Marcus Wong, will take a minimum of one hour for the first initial visit to access, diagnose and to review a report of findings to the patient. Then after formal consent is given, treatment is rendered.
To assess for neck issues, the chiropractor will ask a series of questions regarding the neck pain the patient is experiencing. These questions will help the practitioner to understand the condition and come to a differential diagnosis list and/or a full diagnosis. The next step will be a comprehensive physical exam which can strengthen the support of the diagnosis and allow the practitioner to know how to treat the neck condition.
The treatment for neck pain conditions may include manual and/or instrument assisted activator chiropractic manipulation / adjustments , joint mobilization techniques, stretching and muscle trigger point therapy.
Typically the chiropractor can achieve neck relief and joint stabilization for a chronic postural neck condition within 3-4 visits over a course of couple weeks. Unfortunately, due to the nature of the lifestyle of modern day society from work , computer and cell phone usage, the postural neck pain will eventually accumulate again and present itself with discomfort as before. Along with maintenance chiropractic care and postural exercises and stretching the patient can expect to be symptom free throughout the course of the year.
Real Patient Story: Include their name and age and any other data that would help a user see them as a real person
Kenneth, a 42-year-old male patient from Richmond, BC, came to me with neck stiffness that had lasted for years due to sitting in front of the computer for hours every day for work. After 2-3 weeks of care focused on posture correction and gentle chiropractic adjustments, he is now pain free, and has the tools to remain healthy. Postural exercises and guidance was given to the patient to continue to do at home.
Dr. Marcus Wong
Why choose our clinic?
- Experienced chiropractor that has treated thousands of patients with a wide variety of illnesses and conditions. Each patient is an individual with their own unique story and conditions that our chiropractor will respect and listen to.
- Personalized treatment plans for the patient. The chiropractor may also recommend and/or work with other practitioners (medical doctors, physiotherapists, acupuncturists, registered massage therapists, etc) to complement the conditions the patient may be experiencing.
- Convenient location in the vibrant neighbourhood of Kitsilano. The clinic is easily accessible by car and public transportation. Ample free and paid parking in front of or walking distance from the clinic.
- Accepts extended health insurance and ICBC claims as all the practitioners at True Health Studio are registered and licensed in the province of British Columbia.
- Warm, friendly environment with practitioners that speak English, Mandarin and Cantonese.
Ready to Get Neck Pain Relief?
FAQs About Neck Pain and Chiropractic Care
Q: What to expect on your first initial visit to a chiropractor?
A: The first visit is mainly a consultation for the Chiropractor to get to know the patient. It will usually take from 45 minutes to 1 hour. The Chiropractor will ask the patient about his/her history of the injury and their health history. Then the Chiropractor will perform a physical examination, which does not require the patient to undress or wear a gown. The Chiropractor will then explain the patient’s condition(s) and inform them of the best treatment plan options and treatment duration(s). Lastly, with informed consent from the patient, the chiropractor will treat the patient.
Q: What is a chiropractic adjustment? If I am not comfortable with the adjustments are there any other methods the chiropractor can help me with?
A: A Chiropractor uses manual adjustments either with their hands or a handheld instrument as their main therapy option. An adjustment is a high velocity, low amplitude thrust to the joint segment in the spine to restore normal motion and promote proper healing to the affected area.
Many patients report feeling relaxed and have an immediate increased range of motion in their necks or lower back after the adjustments.
Chiropractors can substitute the manual adjustments with joint mobilization therapy, muscle stretching and strengthening, proper rehabilitation and home-based exercises.
Q: What is the “pop” or “crack” sound from the chiropractic adjustment and is it safe?
A: Yes it is! Millions of neck adjustments are performed safely and effectively every year in Canada. Neck adjustment is performed well within the normal rotational range of the head. The entire process involves less movement than it takes to look over your shoulder.
The “pop” or “crack” sound which some patients may experience during the chiropractic adjustment is actually from the gas pressure released inside the synovial joint of the spine. Patients may hear a louder sound near the neck area due to the fact that the area being adjusted is closer to the ears. The “pop” or “crack” sound is absolutely safe and normal.
Q: Does chiropractic treatment require a referral from a medical doctor?
A: No. A patient does not have to be referred. Chiropractors are legislated as primary contact health care professionals in every province in Canada. This means that patients can consult them directly.
For other FAQs please click on this link. If you have further questions not in this link please feel free to email our chiropractor at info@truehealthstudio.com
